お使い・お遣い|おつかいotsukai

JLPT N1approx.Common
Which spelling to use
お使いお使い is the most common written form and the recommended default for beginners. It uses kanji and kana.
お遣いお遣い is a less common written variant of お使い, using kanji and kana. It may appear as an alternative spelling.
Definitions
  1. nounerrand; mission; going on an errand
    あの子こはよくお使つかいをする。↗
    The boy often runs errands.
  2. nounmessenger; bearer; errand boy; errand girl
  3. nounfamiliar spirit
Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym使いつかいNeutralMuch the same as 「お使い」 for both errand and messenger; also a bird or beast as a divine messenger, as in 「神の使い」. For a child's errand, everyday speech prefers 「お使い」.
  • Synonym使い走りつかいばしりNeutralRefers to being sent around on errands for someone, or to such a person; it implies being ordered about and having low status, which 「お使い」 does not have.

For buying or delivering something at someone's request, everyday speech uses 「お使い」. 「使い」, without the 「お」, means much the same and appears in 「神の使い」 etc. For being sent around on errands, use 「使い走り」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. 誰だれかに頼たのまれて、物ものを買かったり届とどけたりすること。
  2. 他ほかの人ひとの頼たのみごとをするために行いく人ひと。
  3. 魔法まほうの力ちからを持もつ精霊せいれいで、人間にんげんの手下てしたとして働はたらくとされる存在そんざい。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android